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Monday, March 9, 2015

How to Decide Where to Go & Getting There & Cost (Part 1)

Let me first start of by saying I am not a travel agent, I just love
to travel. I am not bragging in anyway when I say where I’ve been, I just love
to travel. Each destination I’ve been to, there’s been a reason or purpose.
From a person who’s been to corner states of Maine, Alaska, California, Florida
and place in between (Including Hawaii), I feel pretty confident in saying
this… know what you want to see. Do you want to see mountains? Experience city
life? Feel like driving or just taking a subway everywhere? Are you going
alone? Who’s coming with you? Can they walk blocks or driving is the option?
And what can you afford? Asking question like this will not only help you with
your trip but avoid altercations with whomever your traveling with.

Where to Go and When

Nearly every trip it’s my brother and l (usually my best friend tags
along) but this year it’s just us. We are looking to spend less as possible. We
are looking for dates in August because not only is it just before school
starts but it’s not too hot and will cost less than June or July (summer months).
One of the best times to travel is the off-season when everyone is at
school/work. If there’s no getting around it then book ahead. Planning
sometimes months in advance can save you some money.

Deciding where to go can be hard. We’ve been to pretty much seen every
popular destination we could think of: New York, Los Angles, San Francisco,
Seattle, Orlando, San Diego, Toronto, Niagara Falls and other cities that
aren’t as popular. Except there is one popular city we have yet to see…
Chicago. So this year we are heading to Chicago. I’ll be honest I’m not that
interested in going more so my brother but seeing as how I’ve never been ‘why
not’. When deciding where to go with other people it’s best to compromise,
you’ll save drama and the headaches. After all this is a vacation not another
day at the office so enjoy yourself.

Do you want to escape the heat? See a beach? Play in the snow?
Ski? See the big city? Get some quiet time in the country? Or just realize with
shopping and maybe the spa? Are you adventurous? Hiking? Want to see a dormant
volcano? Or be able to relax at sea, say in a cruise? Whatever you decide to
do, make sure it’s something you want to do.

Cost of Travel/Foreign Transactions

I feel this is a very important step that should be side by side with
where to go. Let’s be real, we’re not all movie stars and can afford the trip
to Paris every month. Nor can we afford to go on vacation every year but
keeping in mind what you can spend will help you from breaking the bank.
Knowing what you want to spend is a great first step. Are you looking to spend
less than $500? $1,000? $4,000? When booking a trip I like to check for
discount codes and my newest favorite (which the jury is still out on) Ebates. They
give cash back on websites such as Expedia and Southwest Vacations. Not only
will you be saving if you book early but you may even get cash back.

Now I can only speak about my experiences when I talk about foreign
money and transactions. When considering purchasing foreign currency the best
bet is checking with your bank. I was able to purchase money from Wells Fargo
at no-cost. Before you head to the bank…call; some banks have money on hand
depending on the country. Other times you will have to wait a week or two
before it comes in (foreign money). Also ask the bank about buying back money.
I was surprised to learn that my bank didn’t buy back change, so I made it
appoint to use all my change or as much as I can because I’d be left with it in
the end. Unless you’re keeping it as a souvenir or intend it use it later on a
trip back get rid of it but again check with your bank.

My bank also offered a debit card. Basically it’s an additional
account where you transferred money too and would use that account for any
transactions, which of course there were fees involved but check with your bank
if that’s a route your interested in taking. You never know when you may need
cash. Credit cards are much easier to deal with to a certain extinct.
Most charge a fee for foreign transactions so check with them on the fee per
transaction.

Walking/Driving/Public Transportation

Trust me when I say this, taking a person who doesn’t really walk
didn’t make neither trip to New York and England a very good experience. I’ve
been to New York two times (third in a couple of weeks) and if you don’t want
to walk everywhere, you’re in for a rude awakening. Find out what the preferred
method of transportation is. Look for the public transportation routes where your
hotel is. I relied on Google Maps for directions when it came to London and
Paris… when I had wifi. When I didn’t have wifi a good ole map was the method
in getting places. When renting a car, take
inconsideration the cost of renting a car plus the gas. If this isn’t something
you can’t really afford then I suggest finding a city that relies on a subway or
other forms of public transportation.

Whatever you decide to do make sure it’s what you want. Take a deep
breath and enjoy your trip.